New Year's Eve has come and gone and we at DarinAmes.com managed to grab a little footage of the festivities for you. That's right... we now have video for you to peruse. This is just the start as we'll have more Darin for you to watch very soon. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some clips from Darin singing with The Vinnie Falcone Orchestra. Head over to the Look pages and take a looksee!

Coming Soon... Darin's First Live CD!

Darin Ames Live in Las Vegas
with the Tommy Deering Trio

Click the cover above to hear a sneak preview of some audio clips!

NEWS FLASH:
After 12 years of wearing his signature goatee, Darin decided to shave. That's right... The beard is gone, Darin-o-philes. Our beloved crooner is clean-shaven!
How does Darin feel about it? We asked...

"When I first began to entertain the idea of shaving my beard I was very hesitant. I was fully aware of the impact this move would have on a personal level and possibly a global one. My greatest concern was for my hair. You see, with the beard, I could take on the occasional bad hair day. This doesn’t happen very often, especially in fantastic Las Vegas, where I live. The wonderful dry climate is conducive to making every day a good hair day. Nevertheless, I knew that the beard was always there to carry a portion of the incredible load that is well... Me. The beard was there acting as a safety net. No matter how bad my hair could be on extremely rare days, the beard was always ready to step up and take center stage, reinforcing my appearance as well as shifting focus away from an errant curl or stubborn wave that could not be blow-dried out. This was very important to me, and to all the wonderful people in our great, God fearing nation. If I were to throw caution to the wind and shave away my beard, what would happen when people needed a standard of excellence to apply to their own self image? Ultimately, however, I realized that like great people in history have shown, you must take some risks if you wish to advance in your career, your life and the overall sanctity of your eternal spiritual being. So, like Rosa Parks, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Larry Flynt and many others, I stepped out onto that metaphorical branch.
Just before I touched the razor to my face, I questioned my hair. "You realize the pressure that will reside on you now, right? You will have to bear the brunt of the majority of how we look. Are you truly prepared to take that step and handle that kind of enormous pressure?" And as quickly I said those words, my hair, without hesitation, answered me. "Don't worry about anything. I got you covered, Big D. The hair is HERE!" And so it was with those inspirational words echoing through the halls of the Ames compound that I began shaving until what had only moments before been my beard was now a nasty mess in the sink that, mixed with some random droppings of toothpaste, could very likely clog the drain. At the very least I knew it would be a bitch to clean. I look back on it now and know with the utmost certainty that I made the right move. I feel more free, more alive and more in touch with the world and it's beautiful, multi-national, and glorious people than ever before. I'd be lying if I said that I'm not concerned about the ramifications of appearing in a humid climate. That concerns me a great deal. Frizzy is a dirty word in my world. I know, however, that like every other challenge, my hair is willing to stand tall and take each step with me. The fact that I recently bought a new brush doesn't hurt. Moreover, my Director of Hair Production, Keith at Roni Josef salon, showed me a very cool method by which I could better control certain aspects of my hair. It adds confidence that is palpable and visible to the naked eye. I mean, look at me. Will you look at this hair? No, no... the pictures after I shaved. There. See what I'm saying? Anyway, I attack each day now with a renewed sense of vim and vigor (although I don't exactly know what "vim" and "vigor" are) that I haven’t felt in years. All due respect to my beard, I should have done this years ago. So, onward ho, and let's move on into the exciting future with clean shaven, wrinkle free, baby soft skin that flies I the face of the aging process! I'm ready, my hair is ready and I know that great things are just ahead."

If, for any reason, you do not find the humor in the ridiculous, egomaniacal diatribe above, please e-mail us at darinames.com so we can calm you down. It is satirical in nature and intent and is meant as an entertainment piece and not necessarily relevant to anything happening anywhere in the world. In short, it's a joke. We apologize for any bad feelings felt as a result of possible misinterpretation.

Tony Bennett and Darin Ames make nice use of space at Boston Art Gallery opening.

Recently spotted at Boston art gallery, Newbury Fine Arts, Tony and Darin took some time out to talk about great songs, great songwriters and fabulous hors d' ouvers. Bennett was in the spotlight yet again, in town for his much anticipated art show. Featuring a wide variety of the great singer's own work, nearly all the goods were sold by night's end. One piece was snatched up in advance than none other than famous ear lobe tugger, Carol Burnett! (If you have to ask, move on) Harvey Korman was a no show and Tim Conway was too busy filming the soon to be released "Dorf on Mideast Politics."

Bennett was his always gracious self, taking the time to accept praise and accolades from flocks of fans come to pay homage and grab up Bennett's works. When Tony and Darin stepped aside to trade war stories, Tony wasn't the only one recognized. Truth! Boston DJ Ron DeLaciasa as well as some elites stopped and asked the most loaded question on earth, "Aren't you Darin Ames?" Granted, some didn't say anything. Rather, they simply thought to themselves, "who is that guy with Bennett and when will he move along?"

"It was great speaking with him" said Darin of Bennett. "I was honored that he took so much time to talk shop. He agreed that, despite the majority of music that gets MTV airtime, there will always be a need and audience for the songs we sing." Ames made note of mentioning to Tony how he envied him of all the great musicians and arrangers he has had the chance to work with. "There aren't that many people of that caliber anymore, Ames explained. "The general changes in taste over the years have deeply effected the ways that people learn to play and write music. Understandably, the lowest common denominator of musicality has plummeted, making a true big band arranger or musician a hot commodity. Still, there are great players to be found. I like to think that I've found a few myself."

Of particular note was their conversation regarding Tony's pianist for over 50 years, Ralph Sharon. "He's always just absolutely wonderful," said Bennett of Sharon. "There's no question that he's a gift to any singer fortunate enough to sing with him," added Ames. And in this day and age, it's quite a thing to think that their long collaboration was founded on nothing more than a handshake. "How I wish it were still that way," cried Ames, bursting into uncontrollable sobs.

The highlight of the evening was when Darin presented Tony with a copy of his CD, 'Just in Time.' "He seemed genuinely interested in giving it a listen. Whether or not anything comes of it, I'm proud to know that he has it. I hope I can have the pleasure of having Tony at a (singing) show of mine some day and repay the favor he has paid me the many times I've sat in his audience."

Many of you have seen a photo similar to the one below. Finally, we at DarinAmes.com are pleased to announce that after a long, worldwide search, we have uncovered yet another startling photograph offering the first irrefutable proof of the swinginest show in history.

This unbelievable shot (below) was taken sometime between 1956 and 1992. Unfortunately, our experts in the lab cannot ascertain the exact date. It is certain, however, that this photo of perhaps the most intriguing studio gathering in history was taken some time during the last century! It is a miracle that it has survived this long.

When asked for comment, Darin would only say this, "Look, when a friend calls and asks you to come down and sing a few tracks with him as a favor, you do it. End of story. Hey, you! Does my hair look alright?"

Interesting words from the crooner who now carries the torch. People continue to ask if anything ever became of this time defying event. We are feverishly trying to find the recording made that day. When we do, you can be sure it will posted here, exclusively, at DarinAmes.com!

Always More Skinny! Check back to see what's here.